BALTIMORE, MD  --  Maryland State Senator Gwendolyn Britt, a longtime advocate for gay and lesbian marriage rights, died unexpectedly Saturday from heart failure or stroke at age 66.

Britt, a Democrat from Prince George's County, was active during the civil rights movement and, with her husband, she spent 40 days in a Mississippi jail for integrating restrooms. The senator was to introduce legislation later this year that would legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland.

"Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Marylanders and their families only knew Senator Britt by name, and yet this name truly meant everything to them," Equality Maryland executive director Dan Furmansky said in a statement.

"At a time in our nation's history where LGBT people seek champions for the equal protection of our families, Sen. Britt rose up and declared our cause her own."

Last September Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals, upheld a state law barring gay and lesbian couples from marrying. Following the ruling, Britt announced she would sponsor legislation in 2008 that would allow same-sex couples to legally marry.

"I am very disappointed that the court has decided to prolong discrimination against same-sex couples in Maryland," Britt said following the ruling.

"Same-sex couples in Maryland form committed relationships and loving families, and they need access to the many family protections that the state provides to married couples. It is now up to the General Assembly to do the right thing, and I am proud to lead the effort to pass a bill ending discrimination in marriage in Maryland."

Britt served five years in the Maryland Senate.  She is survived by her husband and two children.

Last update: 01-14-2008 21:53